Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds – First English Screenshots

Idea Factory International have released the first screenshots for this upcoming otome title – showing off characters Chizuru, Hijikata, and Okita alongside some general gameplay.

Do you remember this one? You’d be forgiven if you didn’t, as it’s been a little while since we talked about it. Otome visual novel Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds was announced for the Westback in November, and here’s a quick recap of the story from the latest press release.

1863. As the end of the Bakamatsu period draws closer…

A lone Chizuru Yukimura travels from Edo to Kyoto in hopes of searching for her father who mysteriously vanished. As she ventures through the unfamiliar city in the dark of night, she is suddenly attacked by a gang of samurai. Amidst the chaos, a mysterious figure approaches her, hungry for the taste of blood. As the threat of danger approaches, she is saved by none other than the Shinsengumi.

After their encounter, Chizuru lives with the men of the Shinsengumi to fulfill their common goal: seeking out her missing father.However, she slowly uncovers the Shinsengumi’s dark secret: The Furies. A group of men calling themselves “Demons” eventually confront the Shinsengumi, standing in opposition to their secret Fury identity.

Upon meeting these Demons, Chizuru is forced to come face to face with the secrets of her past. This story is about a girl who allies with the men of the Shinsengumi, who are struggling to uphold their faith in an era of rapid social change in Japan.

Now that you’re caught up (or reminded), we can get to those new screenshots. The heroine Chizuru and handsome bachelors Hijikata and Okita are the focus of most of these new images, though there are also a bunch of gameplay-focused screens to be had as well.

Kyle Wakeling is the Editor in Chief and Jack of all trades here at The Vita Lounge. A long time gamer and aspiring writer, he's just hoping to spread the word of PlayStation Vita to the darkest corners of the internet - and beyond.